7-Day Ultimate Japan Travel Itinerary: Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka Highlights

Day 1: Tokyo Arrival & Exploration

Tokyo, Japan on May 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Enjoy fresh sushi and traditional Japanese breakfast at one of the small stalls, immersing yourself in Tokyo's local food culture. The market opens early around 5am and breakfast spots start serving by 7am.
JPY2000, 1h

9:30am

Explore Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple

Visit Tokyo’s oldest temple with its impressive Kaminarimon gate and vibrant Nakamise shopping street filled with souvenirs and traditional snacks. Open daily from 6am to 5pm.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Asakusa Imahan

Try their famous sukiyaki, a traditional Japanese hot pot dish, renowned for quality Wagyu beef in a cozy traditional setting.
JPY4000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit the Tokyo Skytree

Head to one of the world’s tallest towers for panoramic views over Tokyo. The observation decks open from 8am to 10pm. Booking tickets online in advance is recommended.
JPY2100, 2h

4:00pm

Stroll through Ueno Park and Visit Tokyo National Museum

Enjoy the spacious park and see Japan’s finest art and cultural artifacts at the museum, open 9:30am to 5pm (closed Mondays).
JPY620, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Famous for inspiring the Kill Bill restaurant scene, this place serves excellent yakitori and izakaya-style dishes in an atmospheric setting. Open till 11pm.
JPY3500, 1.5h
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Day 2: Modern Tokyo & Shopping

Tokyo, Japan on May 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Aoyama Flower Market Tea House

Enjoy fresh floral surroundings with a light Japanese breakfast and delicious teas in this unique cafe setting. Opens from 9am but breakfast served from opening.
JPY1500, 1h

9:30am

Explore Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park

Visit the famous Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken in a serene forested area. The shrine grounds open from sunrise to sunset.
Free, 1.5h

11:30am

Walk through trendy Harajuku & Takeshita Street

Experience Japan’s quirky youth culture, unique fashion boutiques and colorful street food in this lively shopping street.
Free (shopping extra), 1.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Afuri Harajuku

Savor their popular yuzu-flavored ramen offering a refreshing citrus twist on classic ramen dishes.
JPY1200, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko Statue

See the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing and visit the famous loyal dog statue. A great spot for photos and urban atmosphere.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Shop in Shibuya 109 and Surrounding Area

Explore this iconic mall full of trendy fashion for young women and then nearby streets with diverse shops.
Free (shopping extra), 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka

Convenient and fun conveyor belt sushi restaurant offering fresh and affordable sushi with high-tech ordering.
JPY2000, 1h
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Day 3: Nikko Day Trip

Nikko, Japan on May 15, 2025

7:00am

Depart Tokyo for Nikko

Take the JR Tohoku Shinkansen and transfer to the Nikko line for beautiful mountainous scenery. Total travel approx 2h.
JPY5000, 2h

9:00am

Visit Toshogu Shrine

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, lavishly decorated shrine complex dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate.
JPY1300, 2h

11:30am

Walk along Shinkyo Bridge and surrounding nature

Admire this iconic red sacred bridge spanning the Daiya River with great photo opportunities in natural forest scenery.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Hippari Dako

Casual dining with local specialty yuba (tofu skin) dishes and other traditional cuisine near Nikko station.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Futarasan Shrine and Rinnoji Temple

Visit these serene cultural landmarks showcasing traditional Japanese religious architecture in peaceful surroundings.
JPY400, 2h

4:30pm

Return to Tokyo

Travel back to Tokyo with time to rest after the full day outing.
Included in round trip fare, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Tokyo Station Ramen Street

Choose from a variety of renowned ramen shops inside Tokyo Station offering regional ramen styles across Japan. Great casual dinner option after long day.
JPY1200, 1h
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Day 4: Hakone Relaxation & Sightseeing

Hakone, Japan on May 16, 2025

7:30am

Depart Tokyo for Hakone

Take the Romancecar train from Shinjuku station directly to Hakone-Yumoto station in about 1.5 hours.
JPY2200, 1.5h

9:30am

Visit Hakone Open-Air Museum

Explore this expansive outdoor art museum featuring sculptures harmoniously set in nature. Opens at 9am, closes 5pm.
JPY1600, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Local Soba Restaurant

Try fresh handmade soba noodles, a specialty of the region, in a calming traditional atmosphere.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Cruise Lake Ashi & View Mt. Fuji

Take the sightseeing cruise on Lake Ashi and enjoy stunning views of Mount Fuji on clear days. Cruises run frequently from 9am to 4:30pm.
JPY1000, 1.5h

3:30pm

Ride Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani Valley

Ride the ropeway to see the volcanic activity area with sulfur vents and enjoy panoramic views. The ropeway opens 9am to 5pm.
JPY1500, 1h

5:00pm

Check-in and Relax at Onsen Ryokan

Stay at traditional ryokan with hot spring baths to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
JPY15000 (per night), Evening

7:30pm

Ryokan Kaiseki Dinner

Experience a multi-course traditional Japanese dinner served at your ryokan, highlighting seasonal and local ingredients.
Included in stay, 2h
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Day 5: Kyoto Cultural Immersion

Kyoto, Japan on May 17, 2025

8:30am

Travel Hakone to Kyoto

Take the shinkansen from Odawara Station to Kyoto, approximately 2 hours.
JPY13000, 2h

11:00am

Check-in and Light Lunch at Nishiki Market

Sample local delicacies at this vibrant food market known as Kyoto’s kitchen. Open around 9am to 6pm.
JPY1500, 1h

12:30pm

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Famous temple offering stunning city views from the wooden terrace, open 6am-6pm.
JPY400, 2h

3:00pm

Walk Through Higashiyama District

Stroll the preserved historic streets filled with traditional shops, crafts, and cafes.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa Restaurant

Enjoy classic Kyoto kaiseki and seasonal dishes in the cultural Gion district. Open till 9pm.
JPY5000, 2h
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Day 6: Kyoto Temples & Gardens

Kyoto, Japan on May 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at % Arabica Kyoto

Start your day with expertly brewed specialty coffee in a stylish setting.
JPY800, 1h

9:00am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Famous for thousands of vermilion torii gates, this shrine is open 24 hours and is best visited early to avoid crowds.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Visit Tofukuji Temple Gardens

Experience Zen gardens and beautiful autumn foliage landscapes. Open 9am to 4:30pm.
JPY400, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Enjoy udon noodles and seasonal vegetables near Kodai-ji Temple.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

This iconic golden temple surrounded by peaceful gardens is a must-see. Open 9am-5pm.
JPY400, 1.5h

4:00pm

Relax at Maruyama Park

Take a leisurely walk through Kyoto’s oldest park, famous for cherry blossoms.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Explore narrow alleyways filled with traditional eateries and enjoy local Kyoto cuisine in atmospheric settings.
JPY4000, 2h
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Day 7: Osaka Highlights & Departure

Osaka, Japan on May 19, 2025

8:00am

Travel Kyoto to Osaka

Short train ride of about 15 minutes via JR Special Rapid Service.
JPY560, 0h15m

8:30am

Breakfast at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Explore this lively market famous for fresh seafood and street food snacks, open from about 9am.
JPY1500, 1h

9:30am

Visit Osaka Castle and Park

Historical landmark with rich samurai heritage and beautiful grounds. Castle interior open 9am to 5pm.
JPY600, 2h

11:30am

Stroll through Dotonbori

Famous entertainment district known for neon lights, street food like takoyaki and vibrant atmosphere.
Free (food extra), 1.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Mizuno Takoyaki

Try the famous takoyaki (octopus balls), a local street food specialty served fresh and hot.
JPY800, 0h45m

2:00pm

Visit Umeda Sky Building

Head up to the Floating Garden observatory for panoramic city views. Open 10am to 10:30pm.
JPY1500, 1h

4:00pm

Departure from Osaka Kansai Airport

Allow enough time to reach airport for international departure with comfortable transfer options via train or bus.
Train approx. JPY1200, Varies
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